Administrative Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK

Job Description

This role coordinates all aspects of undergraduate and graduate student support, serving as a key resource to the department and broader campus community. Responsibilities include responding to inquiries regarding academic programs, university policies, and available campus resources, while delivering high-quality customer service in a student-facing office environment.

Responsibilities

This position supports undergraduate and graduate academic operations and student engagement within the Department of Microbiology. Responsibilities include maintaining records of microbiology students and distributing departmental announcements and event information as needed. The role serves as the primary point of contact for Natural Sciences Advising and collaborates with the faculty coordinator on course scheduling and maintenance of the department timetable in Banner.

Additional duties include supporting the Director of the Microbiology Undergraduate Club with planning and coordinating special events, assisting students with class registration, and managing undergraduate research fellowships. The position also coordinates the department's annual faculty and student retreat.

This position serves as the Graduate Student Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Microbiology, working in partnership with the Director of Graduate Studies to support all aspects of the graduate student lifecycle, including admissions, enrollment, and graduation. Responsibilities include coordinating the graduate admissions process from initial inquiry through matriculation, arranging and processing travel for prospective students, and providing administrative support to the Microbiology Graduate Admissions Committee.

The role works closely with Graduate School Graduation Specialists and maintains departmental records related to student degree progression, fellowship tracking, and OPIc testing. Additional duties include assisting with student registration, award applications, Graduate School form submissions, and data collection for programmatic assessments. The position also collaborates with the department accountant on graduate student tuition and fee validation, and processes student travel expense reports.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: 2 years of administrative experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  
  • Ability to use spreadsheets to maintain student academic progression records
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to plan and arrange events with attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and make sound decisions based on department practices and university policy
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to multi-task

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience: Experience in higher education preferred
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  
  • Experience with Banner and DASH.
  • Knowledge of University policies and procedures.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: $38,000 - $44,500
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The Department

Please visit to learn more about our Department.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.


UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.


The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.


UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.


The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.


Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!